Bahrain King abolishes law that allows rapists to avoid punishment by marrying their victims

TDT | Manama                                                               

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Julia Cassano

The vile rape marriage law (Article 353 from the 1976 Penal Code) was ratified by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and approved by Parliament and the Shura Council.

"The Prime Minister and ministers, each in their capacity, shall implement the provisions of the law, which takes effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette," said HM the King in the decree.

The legislation essentially placed women in gruelling circumstances as they would be made to prove that the act was conducted without her consent, which is practically impossible. Not only this, but the vile law allowed rapists to escape deserved punishment, as rapists could marry their victims to escape prosecution, legalizing the crime and sustaining a climate of impunity.

Although repealed much later than many hoped for, the abolishment of the law showcases the importance of governments adapting to changes in societies. The legislation that had stood for so long gave women the impression that rape was not taken seriously in Bahrain and that victims did not receive the safety and assistance they needed when enduring a vile act.

A Bahraini citizen, Yousif, agreed with this when talking to The Daily Tribune. He said that the law should never have been enacted in the first place.

"Although the abolishment of this law is a massive step in the right direction for women’s rights in Bahrain, the law should have never existed." Jasmine, a resident of Bahrain, said: "As much as I have felt at home and loved living in Bahrain for the past 21 years of my life, laws as such indicated to me that women’s safety was not a priority."

I cannot imagine how Bahraini women would feel if they endured violent and revolting acts and could then be forced to marry their perpetrators. This type of change has been needed for a long time; it is enlightening to see it being accepted now."

Bahraini netizens have also shared their enlightening views on the abolishment of the marital rape law. @Troublezee said: "Alhamdulillah, I hope this is just the beginning of the abolishment of laws that are unjust to women." @BuHSN said: "The girl is not responsible for what happened; however, it is the responsibility of society to sympathise with her, with the punishment for the rapist being severe."

The previous existing framework deterred victims from reporting serious crimes, which can fuel a cycle of abuse and violence against women. But as laws are changing, women can receive appropriate care and have safe settings to speak up. This encourages more women to receive justice, speak up, and encourage others to do the same.

Bahrain is the latest country in the Middle East and North Africa region to abolish laws or amend penal codes that have led rapists to avoid punishment by marrying their victims. Major decisions such as these should be a lesson to other countries in the region to abolish laws that infringe on women’s rights.